Seal Granite Countertops To Keep Them Alive Life Long!

Granite is most beautiful, durable and elegant countertop material available in the market. When brand new, it dazzles the attention of everyone you invite to your home. But, if you fail to take its care, its shine will eventually dissolve into a dull surface that can never be repaired.
By its very nature, Granite is a highly polished stone, but the fact of the matter is that it is still a porous material. This makes it very susceptible to stains because they can seep into its surface. Also, some granite materials have small cracks due to natural stresses on the stone during formation. That's why it is necessary to seal granite countertops to prevent chemicals or other damaging substances to penetrate into the stone and cause staining and discoloration. Without being sealed, Granite's porous surface will easily stain and become dull.
If you have accomplished a good job of properly sealing Granite, you need not worry about water spills, burn stains from hot pots or scratches from knife chops. Granite is one of the hardest natural materials you can ever find for a countertop, and they can even withstand the abuse that careless children leave on them. If you follow this important step, the countertop will require very little maintenance throughout its life and keeps alive as such.
Two main rules of thumb in sealing are:
1) Sealing provides a protective barrier against surface staining and etching. Sealers act as a layer that guards liquids and other harmful products from sinking into granite's surface in the first place.
2) It enhances Granite color and adds to the shine and beauty of your new counter tops and makes them elegant for lifelong.
If you have recently bought a Granite countertop, you probably need not worry about sealing.
Nowadays, most of the Granite countertop suppliers sell granite countertops that have already been sealed, however, it is advised to ask the supplier just to be sure.
While resealing Granite annually is ideal, it is recommended that you reseal it at least every two years. However, the frequency depends on where your granite countertops are located and how much they are used. At more frequently used surfaces, you must seal granite countertops as often as every 6 months. If they are in a place that is not used very often, then it is good enough to seal granite countertops once a year.
Sealing and resealing your granite countertops is not hard to do and is well worth the work. You can always call a local granite dealer to do this sealing work if you prefer, but either way, mark your calendar and get it done each year. Just keep in mind that it is important to reseal granite before its sealing has expired, so that moisture or any harmful products won't get time to sink in. If needed, there is a simple way to check if your Granite countertop needs new sealer. Spill a few drops of water onto the countertop. If the drops absorb into the surface, you need to reseal it. If the water beads up, then your sealer is working.
Although sealing your Granite countertop can protect it from stains and harmful products, it will not protect it from everything. They just need regular cleaning and the occasional sealing to keep them sensational and to make them last. So do take care of your counter tops and they will prove to be an investment you will be proud of in your home and a major selling point if you ever decide to move.